Yep! Tonight's the night! Unfortunately, my RedWings start the abbreviated season with something like the first three games on the road. I guess that's Ok, I'm not sure if I'm ready to jump back onboard with both feet anyway ... maybe just kinda' ease my way back in, .

Long awaited and much needed... unfortunately the Sharks start their season tomorrow as they were the one Western team left without a conference opponent.

But, that's OK. I'm leaving in an hour to go see my local Finnish team play, and I'm pretty excited because it's been years since I last went to their game, having lived in the States and then in another city here in Finland. Now that I've moved back to my home city - and about 3 miles away from the hockey arena - I finally have a chance to go see their game live, and at home.

Yep! Tonight's the night! Unfortunately, my RedWings start the abbreviated season with something like the first three games on the road. I guess that's Ok, I'm not sure if I'm ready to jump back onboard with both feet anyway ... maybe just kinda' ease my way back in, .

RedWings took it on the chin last night, 6-0 & were outshot something like 35-14. When was the last time the Wings were blanked 6-0? Or even outshot by a 2-1 margin? Good thing I was listening to it on the radio, I don't think I could have beared watching the game. I have a feeling it's gonna' be a long season, even if it's only 47 games, <sigh>.

Well, losing Lidstrom, Holstrom, and Stuart was bound to have an effect on the team's performance, but I think they'll improve as the season goes on and Zetterberg earns some respect as the new leader.

On a side note, the local Finnish league game I went to last night was great. The stadium was packed, rival fan groups were singing their songs, and the game went to the penalty shootout. And best of all, my team won, and it was against the league leader.

Well, losing Lidstrom, Holstrom, and Stuart was bound to have an effect on the team's performance, but I think they'll improve as the season goes on and Zetterberg earns some respect as the new leader.

On a side note, the local Finnish league game I went to last night was great. The stadium was packed, rival fan groups were singing their songs, and the game went to the penalty shootout. And best of all, my team won, and it was against the league leader.

That's what I love about local games, the atmosphere, the smaller venue/you're closer to the ice. Congrats on beating the top dogs! .

Been an Avalanche fan since 1996 but hardly follow the team. ESPN doesn't cover hockey very well and the only hockey games shown on tv in my area are on NBC Sunday mornings.

Do the Avs have a chance this year?

The local team here is UAF (University of Alaska Fairbanks.) The Nanooks are on a tear in the CCHA sweeping Northern Michigan, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

In a strike-shortened season, it's anyone's bet. The Avalance is off to a slow start at 3-4, but so are a lot of teams this season. After winning their home-opener, they went on a three-game road losing streak before beating Calgary last night.

UAF is looking good ... #20 in the polls, 6 game winning streak, Keeny is CCHA Rookie-of-the-month, Beck is CCHA Player-of-the-Week. Good luck with #3 Miami, they're tough.

Av's fan since '96, eh? Then you'll undoubtedly recall some of those great Avalanche/RedWings wars, (grrr, grrr) ... if it wasn't for Black & Gold, I'd be obligated to 'drop the gloves' with ya', so to speak. .